John R. Williams

FITCHBURG, Mass. – John (Big John) R. Williams, 44, went home to the Lord on Aug. 23, 2018, after being stricken ill.

He leaves his mother, Brenda (Williams) Wynkoop of Waterbury; two sisters, Marjorie Williams and Lee E. Williams, both of Waterbury; a brother, Jamison Burrus of Springfield, Mass.; nephews Matthew Williams of Waterbury, Lance Williams of Israel, and Luke Williams of Waterbury; his close friends since high school, Jennifer Houston and her husband, Mark, of Fitchburg, Mass., Torchie Nowell of Waterbury, Fantisha Brown of Waterbury, Turk Edwards of Queens, N.Y.; and a godson, Sean John Houston of Fitchburg, Mass. He also leaves behind many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his father, John Burrus.

John graduated from Crosby High School, with the class of 1991, attended Dixie College in Utah, and College of the Sequoias in California, where started a football career. He played semi-pro football until a knee injury ended his career. He formerly worked for YRC Freight for many years.

John coached youth football, was a sports enthusiast, and was a big fan of the New York Yankees, New York Giants, UCONN Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and Michigan University Football.

His funeral will be Saturday, 11 a.m. at Zion Baptist Church, 137 Pearl St., Waterbury. Calling hours are 9 to 11 a.m. before the service at the church.

Bundle up for a “lantern tour” through the historic district of Litchfield and learn more about the homes and residents who lived there. Join the Litchfield Historical Society for this nighttime tour on Friday, Feb.[...]